Welcome to our TILT news page. Here you will find out what has been happening within our TILT family of schools - don't forget to take a look at our Trust Newsletters page for further information. We are incredibly proud of The Island Learning Trust community and are committed to sharing with you our exciting news and events as they happen.

• PRESS RELEASE: New York Times Bestselling Author Tony Lee Visits Halfway Houses Primary School and Opens New Library

  Tue 29 Apr 2025

   

  We were delighted to welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author Tony Lee for a day packed with imagination, excitement, and celebration. Known for his thrilling stories and larger-than-life stage presence, Tony Lee delivered an unforgettable experience during his special visit to our school.

   

  The day began with an energetic and captivating Key Stage Two assembly where Mr. Lee shared his journey as a professional writer, treated students to one of his famously spooky stories, and kept the entire audience enthralled with his humor, enthusiasm, and storytelling magic.

   

  Following the assembly, the Year 6 children took part in an interactive, creative workshop, led by Tony himself. The session gave the children an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at the writing process and sparked creativity, with many budding authors walking away newly inspired to put pen to paper.

   

  A major highlight of the day was Tony's official opening of the brand-new school library. With a celebratory ribbon-cutting and cheers from children and staff, the new space was unveiled as a hub for reading, discovery, and imagination. The school community came together to mark the occasion, recognising the importance of reading and access to books in every child’s education.

   

  “Our new library is at the heart of our school’s commitment to fostering a love of reading, and thanks to Tony's generosity with his time and passion for inspiring the next generation of readers and writers the children have had a fabulous day," Mr. Allen, Head of School. “His passion for storytelling has left a lasting impression on our students and today was truly a celebration of learning and imagination.”

   

  Tony's visit was truly a memorable milestone in our school's literacy journey and in his words "a library isn't just a room full of books, it's a home."

  

• Sunny Bank - National Nurturing Schools Award application

  Tue 29 Apr 2025

   

  Miss Akrill and Miss Loughnane are pleased to confirm that their application for the National Nurturing Schools Award has been successfully moderated and is now ready to move forward to the virtual assessment stage.

   

  This is exciting news and we thought it would be a great time to share with our wider school community the wonderful video we have put together to showcase how Sunny Bank embed the 6 Principles of Nurture.

   

  Thank you to all the staff, children and parents who contributed to the project.

   

• Sunny Bank Primary - Nurturing Video

  Tue 29 Apr 2025

• New Library at Halfway Houses Officially Opened by Best-Selling Author

  Mon 28 Apr 2025

   

  Today marked the grand opening of our new library, inaugurated by acclaimed author Tony Lee, a #1 New York Times Bestseller with 35 years of experience in various media. Writing as JACK GATLAND, he specialises in crime and thrillers, achieving over 170 million page reads and selling 500,000 books. As CEO of HOODED MAN MEDIA, he supports comic creators through the CALIBURN PRIZE and has produced audio dramas, including for DOCTOR WHO. His work includes collaborations on musicals and notable comic licenses like DOCTOR WHO and SPIDER MAN, with his graphic novels, BAKER STREET IRREGULARS, staged adaptations.

  

• Halfway Houses Newsletter

  Fri 04 Apr 2025

   

  The latest edition from Halfway Houses can be read HERE

  

• Sunny Bank Primary School - Newsletter

  Fri 04 Apr 2025

   

  The latest edition from Sunny Bank can be read HERE

  

• Our latest Newsletter

  Fri 04 Apr 2025

   

  Can be read HERE

  

• Phil Reynolds - CFO of the Year

  Fri 07 Mar 2025

   

  Our very own Phil Reynolds was named CFO of the Year at the Multi Academy Trust Association (MATA) National MAT Awards last night.

   

  Congratulations from everyone at the Trust, it is very well deserved!

  

• PJ Day at Sunny Bank

  Wed 05 Mar 2025

   

  Here are just a few photos taken yesterday!

  

• Book Week

  Fri 28 Feb 2025